Dependents of J-1 Research Scholars
Spouses and unmarried minor children
(under 21 years of age) are eligible to apply for J-2 Visa status. J-2
dependents are eligible to apply for an ‘Employment Authorization Document’
(EAD) from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services, as
long as it is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1.
An ‘Application for Employment
Authorization’ is made on Form
I-765. For question 20, the Eligibility Classification
for J-2 work authorization is (c) (5). Please
read the instructions on the form carefully to ensure that you are submitting
the required documentation with the application.
Send the completed form along with:
A copy of the DS-2019 forms for the J-1 and J-2.
A copy of each of your I-94 Arrival/Departure
Document. This is obtained from the I-94 website.
A copy of each of your passports.
A check in the amount of $520 made payable to
the US Department of Homeland Security.
Two passport-style photographs.
A
letter indicating the need for the work authorization and that the employment
is not necessary to support the J-1 but is for other purposes. A sample letter is available to be used as guide in the preparation of your
materials.
A completed form G-1145 to receive email
notification of the receipt of the application. https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145
Send the completed application and
supporting documentation to :
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: NFB
P.O. Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266-0867
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB (Box 660867)
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
The processing time for J-2
applications may take 60-90 days for issuance of the EAD card. Please keep this
timetable in mind when filing for either an initial or extension of work
authorization.
After the EAD has been received from
the USCIS, J-2 dependents may apply for a Social Security Number.
Unlike the J-1 Research Scholar, the J-2 dependent is subject to payment of
Social Security taxes. For further information on federal & state tax laws,
please consult the IRS Publication 519, ‘United States Tax Guide for
Aliens’
